Sheffield United: Blades defender will miss Dons clash

James Wilson will miss Saturday’s game against MK Dons, Chris Wilder has revealed, despite making progress in his battle to overcome injury.

Wilson, who joined Sheffield United during the close season, has missed the last three games after turning an ankle following the Checkatrade Trophy tie against Walsall.

Leon Clarke has also been troubled by an ankle problem
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Speaking to the media at United’s Steelphalt Academy this morning, Wilder said: “Willo has had a steroid put into his ankle and will possibly be ready for Chesterfield. He came back after turning his ankle but didn’t feel quite right with it and so has had a little bit of help.”

United, who briefly climbed to third in the table after drawing with Bradford City last weekend, visit the Proact Stadium on Sunday 13 November. Leon Clarke could also return for the visit to Derbyshire after resuming training last week. Like Wilson, the former Sheffield Wednesday and Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-forward has been troubled by an ankle problem.

“Clarkey is out on the grass and blowing,” Wilder, the United manager, said. “That’s good to see. He’ll need a little bit of work but hopefully he’ll be back, ready to be involved, for Chesterfield too.”

United stretched their unbeaten run in League One competition to 10 games following the trip to Valley Parade and Wilder added: “He (Clarke) will stick his hand up and admit it’s not been the start to the season he wanted, he’s a conscientious boy and when things are going well, you want to be a part of it as quickly as possible.”